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Ieuan was nominated by his youth worker Andrea Spink, who has overseen him playing games and making new friends at the Westfield Lane centre, which caters for young disabled people.

"At the youth club I've enjoyed the dancing and I like to play pool," added Ieuan. "I've made a lot of friends there."

Ieuan's mum Tina Johnson said: "It's really pushed his boundaries. He didn't have any speech until he was eight or nine and now he doesn't stop talking. His confidence has gone up hugely.

"He didn't have a friend before and now he interacts as part of a group. He's come on leaps and bounds."

Autism is a disorder of neural development and can impair people's thought processes, hindering their social skills and attention span.

Having previously struggled with physical contact, Ieuan now interacts with dance partners from the centre and has performed at Nottingham Playhouse.

"Before, Ieuan used to hate singing and everything," added mum Tina. "But going to the club has helped him build music into a massive part of his life."

Andrea Spink said: "When Ieuan first joined the youth club he had no understanding of money, struggled to communicate with staff and young people and would only point to things that he wanted as he found eye-to-eye contact extremely difficult and wouldn't ask for things directly.

"When asked a direct question he would only nod or shake his head for yes or no. Now, Ieuan is able to make his own choices and decisions and joins in with activities."

Councillor Liz Plant, vice-chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council's children and young people's committee, said: "Ieuan's confidence is growing all the time, and he is learning vital new skills and is gaining more and more independence.

"He is a worthy nominee for these awards and we wish him well."

The 4Uth awards celebrate the achievements of young people, including those who have overcome adversity. Winners will be announced for each of the county council's seven districts in early September, with an overall winner being chosen by the end of the month.

To make a nomination visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ 4Uth. The closing date is Friday, June 13.